Woman Rescues 2,000+ Animals After Lockdown Changed Patna

When COVID lockdowns emptied the streets of Patna, India in 2020, thousands of stray dogs and other animals suddenly had no one to feed them. Varsha Raj couldn't watch them starve.

She started with simple food deliveries alongside friends during those quiet lockdown days. Calls soon flooded in about injured animals needing treatment, and what began as temporary crisis relief grew into something bigger than she'd imagined.

Today, Raj runs the APNA Foundation, Patna's first dedicated animal shelter. The organization has rescued more than 2,000 animals, completed over 800 sterilizations, administered 1,000 vaccinations, and arranged 500 successful adoptions.

Her childhood prepared her for this work without her knowing it. Raj grew up watching her mother feed street animals and shelter newborns on their roof. After school each day, she'd head straight to check on them before anything else.

The family expected her to become a doctor or pursue her classical music training professionally. Instead, Raj chose a different path when the pandemic revealed an urgent need.

The early days required sacrifice. She and her small team taught music lessons and tutoring sessions to fund animal food and medical care. When forced to choose between career advancement and continuing rescues, Raj picked the animals.

Her family initially resisted but eventually became her strongest supporters. The three-person core team now cares for 34 permanent shelter dogs, one cow, and feeds over 100 street animals daily.

One rescue stands out for Raj. A dog they named Himmat Singh lost one leg in a traffic accident and needed a metal rod in another. After multiple surgeries, he now walks confidently on three legs, his spirit unbroken.

The Ripple Effect

The APNA Foundation's work extends beyond individual rescues. The team runs awareness campaigns encouraging Indians to adopt local street breeds instead of buying expensive foreign pets. They verify adoptive families carefully and maintain regular contact afterward.

Each rescue involves emergency response, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and either adoption placement or safe release back to familiar territory. The monthly expenses remain challenging, funded mainly through individual donors and social media support.

Raj believes changing mindsets matters more than money. Many Indians still view street animals as nuisances rather than community members deserving care and respect.

Government support is growing. The Animal Welfare Board of India now issues guidelines promoting sterilization, vaccination, and responsible coexistence with community animals.

Raj dreams of opening a modern animal hospital and large sanctuary where all creatures can receive proper treatment and safe shelter. Her message to others considering similar work is simple: start small, expect difficulties, but trust that change will come with courage and patience.